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T-Mobile will offer the company’s next Google Android phone “early this summer,” according to an e-mail  from T-Mobile.  We hope to have more detailed information and specs on the T-mobile G2 later on this month.

Their existing phone, the T-Mobile G1, has been a million-seller for them and recently got a major upgrade to Android OS 1.5.  According to T-Mobile, there are now more than 4,900 apps available for download in the Android Market.

Google has released Android 1.5, the latest version of its operating system for mobile phones.  Some of the new features include:

Android with On-Screen KeyboardOn-Screen Keyboard
The most obvious enhancement in Android 1.5 is the addition of an on-screen keyboard. Previously, devices running this OS could only input text with a hardware keyboard. The keys are much larger with the screen in landscape mode, and therefore the whole experience is better. This is good news for users of keyboard-less models like the HTC Magic. On the G1 you’ll want to pop open the hardware keyboard whenever possible.

Home Screen Widgets and Links
This works like the desktop on your PC. You can put almost anything you want to on it, and have easy access to it. With Android 1.5, that now includes some new widgets. The original version included a pair of these: the analog clock and the search box. The new one adds widgets to display your next calendar item, a music player, and a picture frame.

Web Browser
The standard Android web browser has updated with latest WebKit engine, and the latest Squirrelfish Javascript engine too.  The original android browser is good, but with the updates the new version is even better.

Google has also added the ability to search within a page, and copy and paste text.

Bluetooth
Expanded blue support including Stereo headsets.

Video
Initially, the G1’s camera could only be used to take still images, but video has been added in the new version.

Other improvements include:

• The address book now shows pictures to go with your favorite contacts
• Mapping software finds your GPS location faster.
• GoogleTalk has been pulled out if the IM application and made a stand-alone app.

The newest device to flaunt Google’s Android operating system is the Ion, a lightly customized version of the HTC Magic. Loaded with a newer version of the seminal OS, the phone is faster, sleeker and smarter than the previous Android model, the G1. But the hardware is also improved. The phone ditches the G1’s awkward keyboard and replaces it with a full touchscreen. It’s a great step forward Android handsets but not quite robust enough to knock the iPhone off its throne as “King of Touchscreens.”

We received a test unit at Google I/O developer’s conference last week, albeit one that is not configured or fully vetted for consumer use. But the system is mature enough to put through the paces of daily use. And it’s unlocked, too.

The hardware is HTC’s new HT-03A, the same phone being offered by NTT DoCoMo in this summer’s lineup. It has a 3.2 megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, microSD card slot, Bluetooth and GPS. Unlike the first Google phone, there’s no physical keyboard, just a 3.2-inch touchscreen.

Source: http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/pr_0601_g2_handson

A true and dedicated Android fan Natalie “Kommodore” Thompson has her  very own Google Android tattoo. Engadget  says she did it mostly to show her support of open source in general. I can see supporting the product with a shirt, hat, maybe some cool android underwear but a tattoo is a little to far out there for me.   Visit her myspace page at: http://www.myspace.com/the_kommodore

Mocana has released a security suite to Android Developers. With hackers working around the clock to find holes in the new operating system from Google, it’s good timing for Macana to release such an application.  NanoPhone hopes to help increase Android’s addressable market by providing Android developers with the functionality to quickly and easily build-in these essential security components:

* Virtual Private Network (VPN) clients to secure data communications between the device and corporate network;
* Voice, video and data encryption (in transit and at rest) with FIPS-validated crypto;
* Comprehensive malware and virus protection with no false positives;
* A higher performance, more secure browser for ecommerce and online banking applications;
* Scalable and secure firmware updating and secure boot capabilities;
* Robust certificate handling features to authenticate devices, network services and individuals to each other.

More information can be found at Mocana.com

Lenovo a Chinese based computer manufacturer has teamed up with China Mobile to release a new Google Smart Phone using the Android operating system.  Released dates are scheduled between February and March of 2009.  China mobile recently walked away from talks with Microsoft, Nokia, and Apple due to the high royalties. The new cell phone is currently known only as the Ophone and will likely be compatible to the TD SCDMA standard which is 3G similar.  However the bad news is these phones would not work with any other provider othern then China Mobile.  The phone is rumored to have the standard smartphone features such as USB support, Bluetooth, 3.5mm audio jack, and also an Apple iPhone type look and feel. Huang Weisong, an analyst from the Chinese news agency Capgemeni, said “With its own operating system, China Mobile will be able to commission customized terminals from handset makers and keep its hand strong in negotiations over profit sharing. There is even the possibility that China Mobile may move into manufacturing handsets itself.” This is also a victory for Google trying to make a larger presence in China.

The Google Android Market is filling up with new applications every day. What’s at the top of the list you ask?  None other then the classic game Pac-Man from Namco.  The game looks, feels and plays almost exactly like the old arcade classic and has topped over 250,000+ downloads. With over 250,000+ downloads I wonder how long it will manage to stay king. Below is a complete list of the top 10 downloads from the Android Market for the month of November.

#1 Pac-Man by Namco
#2 MySpace Mobile
#3 The Weather Channel
#4 ShopSavvy
#5 Ringdroid
#6 imeem Mobile
#7 Shazam
#8 Rings Extended
#9 Bonsai Blast
#10 Brain Genius Deluxe

Visa has released a new financial application for Android users just before the major shopping season. With the Visa app, one can track transactions as they occur to better track expenses. The software will also alert you instantly when the credit card has been used. This will hopefully reduce credit card fraud allowing the owner to report false transactions right away. Special offers and coupons will sent out and locations to redeem the offers. Reading through the Terms of Service you’ll find ““unfortunately, no data transmission via a mobile handset can be guaranteed to be 100% secure.”, that is no way to ensure confidence!

TX Systems has joined the Android developer’s community by releasing the brand new game “BioLines”.  Also in the works are 5 new games (titles unknown at this time) for the T-Mobile G1 scheduled to be released by the end of the year.  Biolines can be downloaded for free from the application market under Games then Brians&Puzzle and currently has over 14,000 active users! That’s always a good sign eh?

While playing the game, the object is to destroy lines of colored ball characters and advance to the next level. Its unique features make the game even more fascinating.  Once obtaining a certain number of points you will then advance to the next level.  Keep checking back for updates, more interesting levels are soon to come!